Get Started with the AASL Standards
Welcome! You’re In the Right Place.
If you’re new to AASL’s National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries, don’t worry—you’re not expected to know everything or do everything right away. This page is designed to help you understand what the AASL Standards are, why they matter, and how to begin using them in ways that make sense for your school library.
The National School Library Standards are a flexible framework, not a checklist or a curriculum, and they don’t require you to start from scratch. The AASL Standards are meant to support and elevate the great work you already do.
Start Where You Are
The AASL Standards are relevant across a wide range of roles and experience levels. No matter where you are in your journey, this page offers resources to help you build familiarity, understanding, and confidence.
New School Librarian
Learn the language of the Standards and discover where your current practice already aligns.
Experienced Librarians
Reconnect with the Standards as tools for reflection, growth, and advocacy.
Educational Leaders & Administrators
Understand how school libraries advance learner-centered goals and organizational growth.
What Are the AASL Standards?
Get a quick overview of the National School Library Standards. This video highlights key updates in the second edition and introduces the competency-based framework that supports learner-centered instruction, collaboration, and school library leadership.
Why the Standards Matter
Grounded in the six Common Beliefs, the AASL Standards reflect the professional values that shape school librarianship, providing a shared vision for empowering learners, guiding instruction, and connecting library services to student success and school-wide goals. They strengthen decision-making and promote high-quality services while clarifying why effective school libraries and librarians matter to learning communities.
Standards In Practice
You may already be using the AASL Standards more than you realize. Because the Standards are designed for flexible use, they guide and shape many aspects of school library practice.
Instruction & Lesson Design
Shape inquiry-based lessons and co-teaching opportunities that support learner thinking and curiosity.
Collection Development
Guide intentional curation that reflects learner needs, interests, and diverse perspectives.
Planning & Goal Setting
Set meaningful goals, guide program growth, and align library priorities with school or district initiatives.
Content Collaboration
Align instruction with classroom goals while strengthening information literacy and critical thinking.
Learning Environment
Create inclusive physical and digital spaces that invite exploration, collaboration, and engagement.
Evidence & Reflection
Reflect on practice, gather evidence of learning, and demonstrate the impact of the school library program.
Looking for examples and resources?
Explore the Content Library to discover tools and materials that demonstrate how the AASL Standards can be applied across school library practice.
Explore the Framework
Learn how the AASL Standards Framework is organized and how its components work together to support learners, school librarians, and school libraries. Understanding the framework can help you apply the Standards in ways that are meaningful, manageable, and responsive to your local context.
Support Your Learning Community
Explore collections of standards resources curated and designed to build understanding and strengthen collaboration across your learning community.
